What makes a good home CCTV system?
Three things matter more than the number of cameras: - Image quality: enough resolution to actually identify a face or a number plate, and decent performance at night. - Reliable recording and storage: footage you can find and review, retained for a sensible period. - Positioning: cameras placed to cover entry points and vulnerable areas without blind spots.
A handful of well-placed, good-quality cameras with solid recording beats a large number of cheap ones pointing at the wrong places.
Wired or wireless CCTV: which is better?
Both have a place: - Wired (including PoE systems that carry power and data over one cable) is the most reliable for a permanent home system. No batteries to charge, no dropouts, continuous recording. - Wireless is quicker to fit and flexible for renters or simple setups, but depends on wifi strength and battery or local power, and can be less consistent.
For a property you own and want covered around the clock, a wired system is usually the better long-term choice. We advise based on your property and what you want to achieve.
What does a professional CCTV installation include?
A proper install is more than mounting cameras: - A walk-round to plan coverage and identify blind spots. - Tidy, concealed cabling run to each camera. - A recorder set up with appropriate storage and retention. - Remote viewing configured on your phone, set up securely. - A handover so you know how to review and export footage.
We also handle the structured cabling and networking side, so cameras, recorders, and your network all work together reliably.
Do I need planning permission for home CCTV?
Most domestic CCTV does not need planning permission, but there are exceptions for listed buildings and some locations, and there are rules about cameras that capture areas beyond your own property.
The key point is that if your cameras capture spaces outside your boundary, such as a neighbour's garden, a shared driveway, or the public footpath, data protection responsibilities can apply. We position and configure cameras to give you the security you want while staying within the rules.
How many cameras do I need?
It is about coverage, not a magic number. Most homes are well served by covering the main entry points, the most vulnerable approaches, and any blind spots, rather than blanketing every wall. We plan the minimum set of cameras that gives you complete, useful coverage for your property.